I’m headed to Boston to attend a portfolio review event. I’m really looking forward to reviewing the portfolios of almost a dozen photographers at the ASMP New England chapter event tomorrow. It’s being held at High Output(86 Lincoln Street, Brighton) starting at 3:30 pm EDT tomorrow. It’s free for chapters members and there’s a small fee for non-member photograpers.

Last month, I spent three days at PhotoPlusExpo in NYC where I was reviewing portfolios for the Palms Springs Photo Fest at PPE and for ASMP at their booth on the trade show floor. It was a gas. Saw SO so much good work. Met some really wonderful photographers.

Doing portfolio reviews is one of my all-time favorite business activities. I love helping photographers move their careers forward by providing them with an objective analysis of their presentations.

Starting with the webinar I’m doing tomorrow (Tuesday, Oct. 17th at 12:00pm EDT) with ASMP on “How to Create Presentations that Work” there are many photo business connection options for photographers this month.

I know many photographers who are headed to NYC next week for PhotoPlusExpo. Many will be attending seminars, but some will also be getting their portfolios reviewed. Those of us who do reviews at the Palm Springs Photo Fest at PhotoPlus Expo (open to all who register and pay) and at the ASMP booth (free for ASMP members with a $25 admin. fee) often lament that while most photographers are prepared for a face-to-face meetings, many are not. The webinar will hopefully help them be better prepared.

I’ll be at PhotoPlus the whole time it runs (Oct 25th-Oct 28th) and I will be doing reviews on Friday, Oct. 27th for both organizations. I am really looking forward to connecting with my consulting clients and old friends and colleagues. There’s nothing like hanging out in person with folks you don’t see but once a year.

I’ll also get to soak up some culture in one of my favorite cities. In addition to my annual visits to MOMA and the International Center of Photography, I’m going to check out a some fine art photography gallery exhibits.

One of the best parts I love about NYC is actually just wandering around and taking in the sights, sounds, tastes, and visuals. The fashion, the food, the unique expressions of humanity–on every corner.

Shoot me an email if you’re also going to be there and would like to connect.

Many creative people–myself included–sometimes use their great powers of imagination and pre-visualization to sabotage themselves. They can imagine a great goal but get frustrated and discouraged when they imagine a huge distance between where they are now and where they want to be.

In photography marketing and promotion, this is a pretty common scenario. You can imagine sending out a great promo on a regular basis that leads to dream assignment. You can imagine making social or in-person connections with prospective clients that becoming repeat customers because you have such natural rapport with them.

ACT

But the real key to success– in any endeavor that takes a while to achieve– is to begin. Sometimes that’s the hardest step because you know that it’s only a teensy tiny bit beyond where you are right now. But that one step IS movement.

One step is greater than zero steps.

And then the key is to keep going. And going and going. And most importantly: to get back on track when you inevitably fall off the track. We all do. Everyone who is honest with themselves and others, will admit that.

Don’t waste time berating yourself for not doing it perfectly all the time. What good will come of that? Beating up on yourself and then feeling crappy about your lack of perfection dampens your spirit and is a creativity killer–and as an artist, that’s the last thing you want to do to yourself.

To achieve those imagined results, everyone MUST attend to the small sometimes boring steps that take you from here to there. Often those steps get abandoned for their seeming lack of grandeur. Doing data entry into a CRM system is one of those tasks. If done correctly, it is one of those business development chores that can really pay off–especially when it’s time to promote your news to just the right audience. E.g. you’ve just shot a project that you’re really excited about. Who should see it? What if it’s a great food shot? Do you really think those in your e-list who work on fashion or automotive need to get that email from you?

If you’ve already done your due diligence when you’re building your list and you have the right kind of CRM, you can easily pull up everyone who works on food accounts and promote specifically to them.

Yes, there are list brokers –some far better than others– who maintain big databases photo buyer information. You can buy a monthly or yearly subscription to their data. They can help you figure out, for example, which ad agencies have food accounts. That can save the perpetual procrastinating photographer from never getting any promotional pieces sent out.

But taking the time to actually build your own “house list” is always a great idea. Those big lists rarely are able to drill down to the level of decision makers who actually control the work on those accounts. But your personal network will likely be able to get you that info if you’re diligent. And then you can combine that data into something that can really work for you.

“Progress not perfection” is a very helpful mantra to remember if doing reasearch and data entry bores you to tears. And speaking of mantras, now might be a good time to learn to meditate– if you don’t already do so. Many successful artists and business people practice regular meditation.

Relax

Those of you who’ve followed me for a while, know I’m a big fan of the importance of supporting your Muse by making sure your mind is not filled with fear, doubt, and anxiety. Mediation relieves those negative emotions.

The easy on-ramp to starting a regular mediation practice can begin by jumping onto the free 21-day mediation series that Deepak Chopra and Oprah offer quarterly. A new mediation streams online each day. The latest series just started yesterday but you can still join as each mediation is available for 5 days after it’s first posted.

I currently practice Transcendental Meditation which I learned it in the ’80 but.. fell off the track. I got back to meditating a few years ago via the 21-day free program offered online by Deepak Chopra and Oprah after a friend invited me to try it. Then I returned to doing TM.

Meditating has helps me neutralize any negative emotions. Like those that arose when I realized that I’ve not been doing blogs post as often as I would have like to.

In my next post, I’ll tell you what I’ve been working on that has kept me away from blogging. Soon…..

When you know how to effectively market your photography, you’re more than halfway to achieving success in your photo business. As you well know, it takes more than good imagery to create a viable career in the photo business these days.

Participants in this hands-on workshop will learn the foundations of effective photography marketing.

A few of the essential photography marketing skills they’ll learn are:

They will learn how edit their portfolio for the best online presence. That is, learn how to showcase your best images–ones that you are proud but also those that meet magnetically meet the needs of your potential clients.

They’ll learn how to create and implement a strategic marketing plan.

They’ll learn how to powerfully connect with and follow-up with their potential clients both online and in person.

They’ll learn how to effectively market their photography to just the right buyers for their photography.

This workshop is appropriate for both commercial and fine art photographers. There are essential presentation, sales, and marketing skills and tools you need to know in any photography niche.

Come join me in Maine for three days where we will focus on building your business. Instead of you working alone with trial and error over months and months, in this concentrated workshop you can get the focused attention and support you need. I’ve helped hundreds of photographers improve their business. I’d love to help you also move forward in marketing and selling your photography.

Imagine having clear and focused direction on how to find and connect with the people who would be most receptive to your work. Imagine learning how to think like and act like your own best rep or gallery dealer. I will pull back the curtain and show you the secrets to business success that every successful sales and marketing professional knows.

Most photographers were never taught how to do this. Generic cookie-cutter marketing plans just don’t cut it. What you’ll learn during this weekend will be tailored to YOU. You are unique. Your strategy needs to be unique as well. You need a plan that is based on your skills, abilities, location, and resources–no one else’s!

Trust me on that. I’ve helped many of my clients turn around sagging careers after they bought into a one-size-fits-all marketing plan. Get focused personalize attention in a synergistic group setting.

Curious about how to play and win the Inner Game of your photo career?

Success in your photo business has many aspects. Many would describe a successful photo career is one that allows you to frequently shoot what you love and be well paid for it.

Achieving that goal is a journey–not just a destination– and that journey has many elements. Both seen and unseen.

Obviously, creating great imagery consistently is of primary importance.

Promoting your work? Also, essential.

Getting to the right people at the right time. Yep. That, too.

Those are both the principal actions you must engage in to achieve your photo business goals.

But do you know that in addition to those actions, there are also hidden elements that can play an even more critical role in whether you succeed or fail?

Top players in any competitive field know the critical importance of performing well while engaged in external competitions (or e.g., on a photo assignment).

But they are also aware of the importance of playing and winning their daily Inner Game–the one in their own mental space that pits them against themselves. When played well, those internal exercises allow them to rise new heights of performance in their competitive environments. And when those internal games are not practiced well– or worse yet, ignored! –that absence of attention can tank the careers of even the most talented of stars.

In this talk I’ll give you tips, techniques and strategies on how to win your Inner Game by learning how to Manage Your Mind. I’ll share exercises that many peak performers in both business and the arts use on a daily basis.

You’ll get to taste-test a few of them during this event.

The onslaught of information and the constant demand on our attention in this always-on, always-connected, 21st-Century has made most of us all feel overwhelmed and distracted much of the time. Few feel capable of having the kind of sustained focus and creative inspiration they seemed to have had only a few years ago.

Many creatives know that’s what fuels their best work and are trying hard to find a way to get those feelings back. There are ways to do that. People at the top of their professions know these strategies.

You can learn them, too.

Come to this ASMP Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter Event from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on Thurs. 4/27/17 at 514 Studios and you’ll get some real-world, easy-to-implement solutions to help you. Solutions that will not only help you cope but help you become better at both creating and marketing your photography.

I’m excited to head back to the ASMP Minneapolis chapter on April 27th to present my latest photo business seminar: “How Get Your Head Together to Get Ahead in Business”

Are any of these thoughts frequent visitors to your headspace?

They didn’t accept my bid.. They don’t like me. I’m no good. (Fear of rejection).

I suck. That other shooter has it all together. I’m a fraud. (Impostor syndrome)

I have social media FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt).I should be posting on Instagram, Facebook LinkedIn, and/pr SnapChat right now or no one will ever hire me. Ever. How are those other shooters are doing it?!? I know should be. (also known as FOMO: Fear of missing out)

It might be time for you to install an upgrade on a critical Operating System–the OS that you use to run your own mind.

In this brand-new talk I’ll be discussing why updating your “internal operating system” is one of the best strategies you can implement in this age of information overload and the short-attention-span economy. When you employ both mindfulness practices and implement various software marketing reminder apps, you free your mind to be more focused and creative.

Consider this….You’d never think to process your images using the software you were using 10 years ago, would you? You intuitively know it would not be able to effectively process and render so much more data–not to mention your client’s demands for more and faster deliverables.

Then why do you think you don’t need to readjust how you mentally process the increased amount of information assaulting your mental space every day? Information that can derail a relationship if it’s misperceived. E.g. is that other person that’s driving you crazy, really doing it on purpose?

Time for a brain hack?

Where: 514 Studios, 514 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401

When: 7:00-9:00pm Thursday, April 27th

Cost:$20 for ASMP Members and Students; $40 for Non-Members

Registration: Here’s the link to the ASMP National site where you can register.

Private marketing sessions: As usual, I will be available for private consulting sessions in the 2 days after the event.

You can contact me directly to book a session. Early bird discounts will apply.

If you’ve not already heard, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2017, I’ll be at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Atlanta. That’s where I’ll be presenting a revised and updated version of my photography marketing seminar Rebooting Your Business Brain 2.0 . I was invited by the Atlanta Southeast Chapter of the ASMP. SCAD is graciously providing the venue.

I will also be available the next day for those who’d like to book a private, one-on-one marketing strategy/portfolio editing sessions.

I’m offering a discount to proactive photographers who book a private session with me in advance. People often want a session with me after hearing my talk, so if you think you might…. act now as I’ve only 4 appointments available on Wednesday 1/18/17.

This is a great opportunity for any photographer who’s interested in getting focused and personalized custom feedback on any aspect of their portfolio and their related marketing efforts. Get answers to questions about your plan to get business in this rapidly evolving photography marketplace. Sessions are appropriate for emerging proactive photographers as well as seasoned professionals.

NOTE: Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 is the last day to snag a 5% discount early-bird discount on an in-person photo marketing consulting session in Atlanta.

Contact me directly to book a session.

http://cpottsdev.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web-header.jpg00carolynhttp://cpottsdev.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web-header.jpgcarolyn2017-01-12 17:08:042017-01-12 18:08:46Photo business development for Atlanta-metro area photographers on Jan.17th

When I am in Atlanta to present Rebooting Your Business Brain on Jan. 17, 2017, to the ASMP Atlanta Southeast Chapter, I will also be available for one-on-one private marketing strategy/portfolio editing sessions. Sessions will be the day of and day after my “Rebooting Your Business Brain” seminar. The photo marketing seminar is being held at SCAD for ASMP Atlanta SE and others on Jan. 17th, 2017. Event info & registration is here

I’m offering a discount to proactive photographers who book a private session with me in advance. People often want a session with me after hearing my talk, so if you think you might…. act now as I’ve only 4 appointments available on Wednesday 1/18/17.

This is a great opportunity for any photographer who’s interested in getting focused and personalized custom feedback on any aspect of their portfolio and their related marketing efforts. Get answers to questions about your plan to get business in this rapidly evolving photography marketplace. Sessions are appropriate for emerging proactive photographers as well as seasoned professionals.

NOTE: Tomorrow(Jan. 7, 2017) is the last day to snag a 10% early-bird discount on an in-person photo marketing consulting session in Atlanta. Next week the discounted price drops to a 5% discount.

The 45th President will be inaugurated on January 20th. The United States of America will embark on a whole new chapter of its history. I don’t yet know how this big change will play out–or how it will affect my life. To relieve any anxiety about the future, I always focus on the present moment. The present moment is where the things I can control exist–such as my attitude and my marketing efforts. Gratitude and strategic planning are helpful.

MARKETING SEMINAR: I’m grateful to have been asked by the Atlanta Southeast chapter of the ASMP to present the updated and revised version of my photography marketing seminar, “Rebooting Your Business Brain” in Atlanta, GA on January 17, 2017.

I’ll be sharing strategic marketing tips on how to keep your business moving forward– even when you feel discouraged, upset, or confused.

The venue event is at SCAD which allows SCAD’s photography students to attend.

PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS: As usual, I’ll be available to meet privately with photographers while I’m in town. To book a consulting session with me to get your personalized photo marketing strategy, content feedback, and editing of your work, just shoot me an email with “Atlanta session” as the email’s Subject line.

There are early-bird discounts available for those who book a session in advance of my arrival.

Start the new year by focusing on your marketing. It’s something you can control. And improve by applying the right strategies. How our lives will be affected by the country’s larger change will be revealed soon enough…

I’ll be joining a team of Midwest-based art directors, art buyers, reps and others who’ll be reviewing photographers’ portfolios in 20-minute segments from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the same venue as last year’s event: the Minneapolis Community and Technical College in downtown Minneapolis.

The list of this year’s reviewers and their biographies can be found here.

Both year’s previous event were super well-attended and many photographers made many new business connections.